Some trousers are perfect for climbers, others for travelling light and others for surviving abuse from hill-walking and backpacking – and the Fjällräven Sarek is in this latter category. The key is the G1000 fabric, which can be waxed by the user for increased water resistance in required areas. This fabric is incredibly tough and is ideal for breaking trail through bracken and scraping against scree. The fabric is not stretchy but it is combined with stretch fabric in the seat, back of the knees and waist, plus articulated knees that lead to a feeling of stretchiness throughout. The features are good too as these are the only trousers here that have massive pockets on the leg that can swallow an OS map, making them great for backpacking and walking. You get two hip pockets for your hands plus a narrow leg pocket for something like a GPS receiver. The ankle cuff has press stud adjustment and is incredibly robust. But a zipped ankle gusset would profile the Fjällräven Sarek’s lower leg better, and the mountaineering trousers, lightweight trousers and winter trousers are all better for those particular activities. The high price tag will not appeal to everyone of course even though you do get benefits.